Led by Pierce Paul Creasman, the executive director of the American Center of Research, the archaeological team had been investigating "Al-Khazneh" after years of speculation that the two tombs discovered in 2003 under the left side of the monument were not the only hidden chambers. This theory had not been confirmed until now.
Creasman’s team used ground-penetrating radar to detect underground objects and compare the physical features of the left side of Al-Khazneh, where the original tombs were found, with the right side.
The radar scans revealed significant similarities between the two sides, giving the researchers the evidence they needed to receive permission from the Jordanian government to excavate beneath the monument.
During the excavation, the team discovered a chamber filled with intact skeletal remains and artifacts made from bronze, iron, and ceramic.
Creasman noted that "the undisturbed burial beneath Al-Khazneh provides a rare insight into Nabataean life."
He also mentioned that "the two tombs found under the left side of Al-Khazneh two decades ago only contained partial skeletal remains."
Al-Khazneh Archaeological Site
Al-Khazneh is an ancient rock-carved structure dating back to the Nabataean civilization in Jordan. It is situated in Petra’s archaeological reserve in the southern part of the country. Al-Khazneh is the most iconic and important landmark of the city, chosen by the Nabataeans as the first major site that greets visitors entering Petra.
The name "Al-Khazneh" (The Treasury) originated from local Bedouins who once believed the urn atop the facade held treasure, but it is actually a royal tomb.